Andy Burnham takes part in Great North Run for homelessness charity

Mr Burnham, wearing a Number 10 bib, ran the half marathon to raise money for Changing Lives, which he visited last month to launch a national drive to end rough sleeping.

He said the run between Newcastle and South Shields was a “fantastic event”, adding it “gives you such a belief in the people of this country”.

Some 63,000 runners took part in the 45th staging of the run on Sunday, with Mr Burnham becoming the first sitting prime minister to take part.

Mr Burnham, who previously ran in 2021, 2023 and 2024, completed the race in 1:57:35 having signed up to run at the start of this year while still in office as mayor of Greater Manchester.

Founder and president of the Great North Run Sir Brendan Foster said: “Since our first event in 1981, we’ve seen countless special moments and incredible feats and today was no different.

“Our biggest ever Great North Run, over £25 million raised for many worthy causes and our current Prime Minister on the start line, what a way to celebrate the Great North Run’s 45th anniversary.”

The Prime Minister, who took part in the run in a personal capacity, said the North East “doesn’t always get the attention it deserves” and “it’s good for the whole country to have its eyes on this wonderful part of the world today”.

Speaking to the BBC before the race on Sunday morning, Mr Burnham said: “People said to me when I became Prime Minister: ‘Don’t change.’

“I’ve been doing the Great North Run for a few years, so I thought: ‘Well, I’ll live that now. I won’t change. I’ll come and do it again.’

“And hopefully leading from the front, getting out there. I’m a big believer that everybody should do a bit of activity, whatever it is people can do.”

Wearing a pink running shirt and a number 10 race bib, Mr Burnham joked: “When I’m doing my job, I can hardly give up halfway round, can I?”

Speaking near the start line, he added: “I’ve been doing a bit of training, as people might have seen, even in the newspapers.

“But the dodgy running shorts have definitely been left at home in Manchester.

“I couldn’t offend all of the great people of the North East.

“So they’re at home, and I bought some new ones.”

Mr Burnham donated 15% of his first month’s salary as prime minister to Changing Lives, after promising to give a share of his wages to charity each month.

Stephen Bell, Changing Lives chief executive, said: “We’re delighted that Andy is running for Changing Lives and grateful to everyone who gets behind him.

“When he visited our service in Newcastle, he heard directly from people about their experiences of homelessness and the support that has helped them move forward.

“A safe place to stay is the start.

“People also need someone they can trust, practical help and support that continues as they rebuild their lives. Our colleagues provide that support every day.

“By donating to Changing Lives, you can help fund this work and be there for people facing homelessness.

“Thank you to Andy and to everyone running, donating and cheering on our team.”

Changing Lives supports over 14,000 people each year facing the challenges of homelessness.